All are welcome at St. John’s Convent and Guest House, regardless of gender identity, ability, or religious affiliation.

The Guest House is designed for those seeking spiritual renewal, restful contemplation, and deeper connection with God. In this way it is different from a hotel, hostel, or other form of temporary lodging. It is a place of companionable peace and quiet with opportunities for private time away or participation in various retreats and programs offered in the “Food for the Soul” program.

Teenagers over the age of 16 are welcome when accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Yes! We welcome both groups and individual guests. Spiritual direction is available. Please contact the Guest House Manager to inquire about an individual retreat.

Basic rates are posted above.

Yes! Please view our events calendar.

Please bring indoor shoes or slippers during your stay. We kindly ask that you do not wear outdoor shoes inside the Guest House or Convent. Some knitted slippers are available for guests.

All linens are supplied. Most people make their own beds upon arrival, though the Guest House team is available to help those who are not able to do so.

The Convent is a scent free environment. We kindly ask that you refrain from using fragrances or scented products during your stay.

The Guest House offers two small pantries on the main and second floors with a refrigerator, tea kettle, coffee maker, and light snacks. The main floor also houses a larger pantry and sitting room, St. Peter’s, with the above amenities, in addition to light breakfast items, tables, and a seating area.

There are ensuite rooms with attached washroom facilities on the main and second floor, but they are limited. We encourage early registration if you wish to secure an ensuite room. The main and second floors have multiple two-piece bathrooms and three-piece washrooms with showers.

There are no bathtubs in the Guest House, but all showers are accessible.

A manually operated lift is available for guests who do not wish to take the stairs.

Yes! Guests are encouraged to attend any or all of the chapel services in the convent during their stay. St. John’s Convent follows a traditional Benedictine monastic order for services, three times a day, in addition to the daily Eucharist. with prayer and other services taking place at least four times daily.

The chapel schedule is posted outside of the chapel entrance and available in all guest rooms.

Good homecooked meals! If you have special dietary requirements, it is essential to let the Guest House Manager know when you book a personal or group retreat.

Breakfast, dinner, and supper are served in the Refectory and are usually taken in silence. Mealtimes and menus are posted on a weekly basis outside of the refectory, and meal schedules can be found in all Guest House rooms.

Mealtimes are taken in silence unless otherwise stated.

Pantries are available throughout the Guest House with light refreshments including coffee and biscuits. St. Peter’s on the main floor has light breakfast and snack items available for guests.

Vegetarian alternatives are provided at all meals. Gluten-free meals can be provided for those with celiac, but cross-contamination may occur.

Please inform the Guest House at the time of booking if you have food allergies, are vegan, or require further accommodations for mealtimes. In the event we are unable to suitably accommodate any dietary restrictions, guests may need to bring their own food. Fridges are available in the Guest House pantries on both main and second levels.

Following monastic tradition, guests and sisters try to embrace the stillness of God in the convent and on the grounds. Shared public areas in the Guest House are designated for quiet conversation. Mealtimes are taken in silence unless otherwise stated. We ask guests to refrain from the use of cellphones in the bedroom areas.

The Convent is home to a community with vulnerable individuals. To ensure that sisters and staff are safe while continuing to serve, we ask that you do not stay at Guest House if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• Rash
• Cough
• Runny/stuffy nose
• Fever
• Sore throat
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Conjunctivitis

In the event of illness prior to your stay at the Guest House, please contact us to cancel or reschedule your retreat. You may cancel up to the date of arrival. Please let us know as soon as possible if you require a cancellation due to illness.

In the event that you are or become sick during your stay at the Guest House, due to vulnerability of community you will be asked to leave.

We ask that day visitors to the Convent or Guest House wear a mask if experiencing any of the above symptoms.

Smoking and drinking on-site are prohibited. For group retreats, arrangements may be made in advance for retreats if alcohol is to be consumed.

The consumption of nicotine, cannabis, and drugs is strictly prohibited.

Please do not bring drugs, weapons, or fire hazards into the Guest House or onto Convent property.